Hello Charlie

Our dog, Charlie

I have resisted getting a dog for a long time even though my husband tells great stories about his loyal childhood dog and  my three girls want to throw balls for every dog they meet in the park. They have begged and pleaded but I have always been very practical: we already have three children and two cats in a small two bedroom terrace; dogs need feeding and walking and there is always the grim matter of poo.

Then last month I finally gave in and I have to admit I am a convert. Charlie is lively and loyal. He likes the cats and the girls and  I love walking him. Along with the fresh air, exercise and companionship comes the responsibility for cleaning up after him. That's why this section from an email I received seemed particularly relevant:

'I am a resident close to Rochester High Street, although litter is sparse due to the great work of the street cleaners, since before Christmas there has been a significant increase in dog excrement along the footways of the High Street from The Crown to Capons butchers.

I note there are no disposal bins or signage re dog fouling.'

Borstal has a reasonable amount of dog bins but the lack of any on the High Street seems an odd omission that will hopefully be easily sorted as keeping the streets clean is vital for health, community pride and tourism. Medway Contact Points (one at Rochester Library) give out free doggy bags. I have contacted the council and it might help if others do too. To report problem areas that need attention phone the hotline on 01634 336699! You can also email on customer.first@medway.gov.uk